Mayo participants urged to register for Vhi women’s mini marathon

Registration is now open for the 2026 Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon, the world’s largest all-female event of its kind. Now in its 44th year, the 10km event will take place on Sunday, May 31, at 12.30 p.m., with close to 30,000 women expected to walk, jog or run through Dublin City Centre on the day.

Registration is available here.

Entrepreneur Aimee Connolly, broadcaster and presenter Katja Mia, health and fitness coach Nathalie Lennon and content creator Clóda Scanlon, return this year as Vhi ambassadors, encouraging women of all fitness abilities to join them on May 31, for what promises to be an inspiring and uplifting day.

To mark this year’s launch, Vhi commissioned research with 500 female runners to highlight the positive impact of running and walking on women’s physical and mental wellbeing. Key findings reveal the following: A total of 74 per-cent of women say walking or running improves their overall physical health; 73 per-cent say it boosts their mood; 53 per-cent say it helps manage stress and 68 per-cent cite mental health benefits as a key reason they run or walk.

The research revealed that 64 per-cent of women say running or walking helps manage PMS or menstrual symptoms, but 74 per-cent say they have been prevented from exercising due to symptoms; 89 per-cent feel these symptoms impact their confidence when exercising.

Among women who have given birth, 80 per-cent say running or walking supported their recovery, while 77 per-cent believe signing up to a mass participation event would help them stay motivated, and 82 per-cent say joining a community run group would help them reach their goals.

With the campaign theme “Because You Can,” Vhi is aiming to inspire women to take that first step, whichever way they choose to participate. The Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon website now features an AI assistant to guide participants through registration, answer FAQs and provide instant event support.

Vhi members can continue to claim a refund on their entry fee via Snap and Send in the Vhi App, helping to make healthy choice that little bit easier. Participants will also have access to training plans for walkers, joggers and runners, plus healthy, nutritious recipes developed by Vhi ambassador Nathalie Lennon. These are all available here and on @VhiWMM social channels.

Nathalie Lennon will also host a new Vhi Run Series; a three-part programme with 3km, 5km and 8km running events to help women build their distance gradually across the 12-week campaign in a supportive community environment. Further details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Participants can also access certified training and health tips from Vhi health experts on Vhi Verified here.

Every participant will receive a Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon finishers medal, and an official event t-shirt is available as an opt-in during registration. Early sign up is advised as last year’s event sold out in record time.